NYCLU on NYS Legislature Passing the Gender Recognition Act

ALBANY, N.Y. – The New York state legislature passed the Gender Recognition Act, which will ensure all New Yorkers can obtain accurate state identity documents that reflect their gender identity. The legislation will create an X gender marker and streamline New York’s antiquated, cumbersome and, for many, shaming, name and gender marker change process.

In response, the New York Civil Liberties Union issued the following statement from Policy Counsel Allie Bohm:

“Identity documents are required to rent an apartment, access public benefits, open a bank account, enroll a child in school, and drive a vehicle. An accurate identity document can make or break an encounter with the police. Transgender, gender nonconforming, and non-binary New Yorkers deserve identity documents that reflect who they are and enable them to fully participate in society.

“Thanks to the tireless work of partners at Empire Justice, the Transgender Legal Defense and Education Fund, and numerous other advocates, New York state is one step closer to ensuring that X gender markers are available on all New York identity documents and that our state establishes a privacy-protective, streamlined, and non-stigmatizing process for name and gender marker changes. As we celebrate Pride in a year of unprecedented attacks nationwide on the transgender, gender non-conforming, and non-binary community, Governor Cuomo must sign the Gender Recognition Act without delay.”